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March 30, 2023

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Commerce Commerce Homepage

What you Need to Know about Maryland’s Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program

March 28, 2023 by The Spy 3 Comments

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As prices for everyday necessities continue to rise, families with limited means are having to make tough choices on where to allocate their money. In response to this, the state of Maryland, in locations like Kent and Talbot Counties, has implemented the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program to help families with past due water and wastewater bills.

The program, which began in April of 2022, is available to any resident of Kent or Talbot County who has an average of $100 or more in their water or wastewater bill. It is a means-tested or income-based program, but many households are considered “categorically eligible” if they receive certain benefits such as Maryland Energy Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Applications for the program can be obtained through local municipalities, neighborhood services, or the Department of Social Services. Since its inception, the program has assisted Talbot households with over $6,500 in bill payments, and in 2023 alone, over $8,000 has been spent on helping families avoid eviction due to unpaid bills.

The benefit amount ranges from a minimum of $100 up to $2,000 and is paid directly to the utility company. However, it is important to note that this is a one-time benefit and cannot be received multiple times. As the program ends on September 30, households are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure all payments are made by the end of the month.

In these challenging economic times, the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program is a valuable resource for families struggling to make ends meet. Maryland residents who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply for the program to receive assistance with past due water and wastewater bills.

The Spy asked Linda Webb, director of the Talbot County Department of Social Services, and Juana Blue, assistant director of the Family Investment Administration, to come by the Spy Studio the other day to understand more.

This video is approximately three minutes in length. For more information about the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program and other energy assistance programs please go here. 

Filed Under: Commerce Homepage

Discovering Discover Easton’s Plans for 2023: A Chat with Director Holly DeKarske

February 1, 2023 by The Spy Leave a Comment

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As Easton slowly crawls its way back to the world of “normal”l after the Covid pandemic, the town is finally getting its mojo back after more than two years of hibernation. And one sign of this comeback is the robust agenda that Discover Easton (a.k.a. Easton Economic Development Corporation) has set out for 2023.

With the “Discover Easton” trademark now legally owned by the city, the EEDC is doubling down on several initiatives to bring tourists and residents back downtown. With a full year of special events (almost one every month), Discover Easton has embraced the successful use of weekend programming to bring families to eat, shop, and have some fun. But it doesn’t stop there.
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In the Spy’s first interview with EEDC’s executive director, Holly DeKarske, it turns out that there are several other priorities on this list, including the branding of the now booming new Hill community, with its growing list of restaurants and shops along Dover and Aurora Streets. Holly also describes some challenges of limited commercial property easily converted to restaurants and the importance of continuing beautification throughout town.

This video is approximately six minutes in length. For more information about Discover Easton please go here. For more information about Easton Economic Development Corporation please go here.

 

Filed Under: Commerce, Commerce Homepage

Mediation Room 8: Benefits of Using Mediation in Divorce 

September 3, 2022 by Steve Forrer 1 Comment

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In Talbot County, all divorces are handled by the Circuit Court. In 2020 of the 1231 cases filed in Talbot Circuit Court, 186 were divorces. Many divorcing couples use mediation. There are many benefits. The process is less adversarial than litigation, which reduces animosity. Couples work together with a mediator to work through dozens of questions in a constructive process that can help preserve a future working relationship. This is especially important if the couple have children.  Mediation is much less emotionally harmful, and better overall, on children. They would much rather see their parents working together than be in conflict. In fact, mediation often teaches ways to communicate that can be used later when discussing parenting issues that are bound to come up. Divorce mediation is the most child-focused of all the divorce processes.

Mediation gives both parties more control over the decisions. They have more, and better, information than the court will ever have. And mediation offers more flexibility and creativity in finding solutions.  This is more likely to create a more durable agreement. 

 The legal system moves slowly and can be expensive. A fairly complex divorce mediation might take five or six 2 hour sessions. The length depends, of course, on the issues to be resolved and the couples’ willingness to agree and compromise. The time required can be shortened by the parties agreeing ahead of time on issues, thereby reducing the number that need to be mediated. Homework and preparation will also insure the best outcome in each area being mediated. For example, coming to mediation with lists of assets, ownership, and values will move discussions along more quickly. 

There are several major areas covered by divorce mediation to include marital property, financial assets, and parenting. The role of the mediator is to help work out agreements on these issues. This can take time and hard work. During the process the mediator helps to keep the lines of communication open, create ideas, and assist  in making decisions. Mediators help keep the couple focused on the issues at hand. A divorce mediator is neutral and doesn’t represent either party. 

Using a mediator in your divorce does not necessarily mean divorcing couples do not need legal advice and help. They generally do. There are often complex legal questions concerning property, retirement plans, alimony, and child support. However, the efficiency of mediation can provide attorneys with settlement instructions concerning many issues that have already been decided. Using mediation will not cause you to lose your right to litigate your divorce in front of a judge.  Information shared during mediation will always remain confidential. 

As you make joint decisions concerning the terms of your divorce, the mediator will draft a document called a Memorandum of Understanding.  It will summarize, in detail, the results of the mediation. 

Divorce mediation is the most flexible of divorce methods. It gives the couple control over the terms of the divorce by creating an agreement that meets, to the extent possible, each parties’ needs in a process that is civil, constructive, and forward looking. 

Steve Forrer lives in Easton. He is formerly Dean and Vice Chancellor of University of Maryland Global Campus. He is currently a mediator for the Maryland District and Circuit Courts. Questions can be submitted at www.doncastermediation.com/contact for Steve to answer in this column. He also accepts private mediations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Commerce Homepage

CULTA Announces Partnership with National Cannabis Brand Old Pal

August 22, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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CULTA, Maryland’s top producer of craft cannabis, today announced a partnership with Old Pal. Founded in 2018, Old Pal is a multi-state cannabis lifestyle brand that’s focused on offering quality products and trusted consistency. The company focuses on value and targets consumers that are specifically looking for high-quality, fairly priced cannabis products.

“Old Pal has a proven track record of making cannabis accessible and we’re excited to find new partners to serve every need of the Maryland medical patient community,” said Allison Siegel, CEO at CULTA. “We believe our fresh flower and their easy-to-dose design are a winning combination.”

Currently available in eight states, including Maryland, Old Pal focuses primarily on producing high-quality, beautiful cannabis at a price point that isn’t cost-prohibitive to the general public. Once the Old Pal founders began to feel pushed out of a market that was only getting more expensive, the concept of Old Pal’s always affordable flower was officially born.

“Our partnership with CULTA is the first time our cannabis will be available to medical cannabis patients in Maryland,” said Rusty Wilenkin, CEO at Old Pal. “Through this partnership, Maryland patients will have exclusive access to Old Pal’s flower and our Ready to Roll packs are a great introduction to our ethos.”

As part of the Old Pal x CULTA partnership, CULTA will release a 14g Ready to Roll bag. These convenient packs have everything a medical patient needs to roll their own cannabis. Each kit will include 14g of high-quality, pre-ground cannabis, hemp rolling papers, and a crutch. The packs are resealable so patients can keep their medication fresh and are available in indica, sativa, and hybrid. And, true to the Old Pal mission statement, the Ready to Roll bags are competitively priced.

“This is actually my favorite Old Pal product,” said Wilenkin. “So it only makes sense that this is the product we’d go to market with in Maryland. Our pre-ground flower is great for so many reasons. The flower is coarsely ground and easy to use, especially for patients with arthritis since there’s no need to use a grinder. We’re excited for new patients in Maryland to try our products.”

Beginning in August, medical patients can find Old Pal products at CULTA’s Baltimore dispensary, in addition to various partner dispensaries throughout Maryland.

In addition to Old Pal, CULTA has ongoing strategic partnerships with other popular companies in the cannabis space, including Cookies and Robhots, and is constantly seeking new opportunities for growth in their partnership vertical.

 

Filed Under: Commerce, Commerce Homepage

The Mediation Room 7: Bad Debt – Getting Beyond It

August 20, 2022 by Steve Forrer Leave a Comment

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I could not find the statistics for Talbot County, but according to CNBC, the average US household with debt, including credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, now owes $155,622.  All together that is$15 trillion. Just to put it in context, the US Gross Domestic Product is about $20 trillion. The average amount of debt by generation in 2020 was:

• Gen Z (ages 18 to 23): $16,043
• Millennials (ages 24 to 39): $87,448
• Gen X (ages 40 to 55): $140,643
• Baby boomers (ages 56 to 74): $97,290
• Silent generation (ages 75 and above): $41,281

It is fair to say that most of us in Talbot County have some debt. That is not necessarily a bad thing, as it allows us to own a home or a car. However, during the recent pandemic many families lost jobs and found themselves behind with payments. In fact, the average amount of debt in collections in Maryland is $1,105.

Most credit card companies will contact you and attempt to make arrangements to help you pay. There are times, however, when they basically give up trying to recover what is owed. They are in the loan business, not the debt collection business. To recover some of their loss they “sell” the debt to a debt collection company. These companies buy the debt for pennies on the dollar and then hope they collect more than they have paid. You can be assured that they will try their best to collect. That’s how debt collectors make their money. They will contact you for payment. If you do not pay, or if you do not respond, the debt collector is likely to sue you in Maryland District Court. The District Court can hear matters where the amount sought, excluding interest and costs, is $30,000 or less. If you find yourself in court you may want to get legal advice. It is free if you use The Maryland Court Help Center (410-260-1392).

If you are being sued in District Court you may have the option of using mediation to help settle the debt. A mediator is a neutral facilitator who will guide the parties through a conversation that will provide a solution acceptable to both. The mediator will not take sides and will not offer solutions, but will help you find them. The offer for mediation will come from the District Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Office prior to your trial date. Watch for it.

The good news about mediation is that it puts both parties in control of the outcome and you do not lose any legal rights to a trial should you not settle. Because mediation is confidential, no information shared during the mediation can be used later in court. Mediation also gives the parties considerable flexibility concerning the terms of the settlement.

If both parties agree to mediation, they must both realize neither will get exactly what they want. The debt collector will not get every dollar owed and the other party will have to pay something. However, the terms of the settlement can be flexible. For example, payment may be made over time or at a reduced amount. This can allow a settlement that works for both parties while lowering the risk of not knowing how a judge will rule.

Mediation, whether through the court system or private, is a low-risk option that can be very helpful in settling bad debts and allowing you to move on with the rest of your life.

Steve Forrer lives in Easton. He is former Dean and Vice Chancellor of University of Maryland Global Campus. He is currently a mediator for the Maryland District and Circuit Courts. Questions can be submitted at www.doncastermediation.com/contact for Steve to answer in this column. He also accepts private mediations.

Filed Under: Commerce Homepage

The Mediation Room: The Role of Lawyers in Mediation

August 6, 2022 by Steve Forrer Leave a Comment

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In Montgomery County, where we used to live, we had more lawyers per square mile than anywhere in the United States…or so they said. In Talbot, we may not have that many, but according to the Talbot County Bar Association there are 106 current members. A question I often get is, “If I go to mediation do I need a lawyer?” The simple answer is that it is not required.  Mediation is a straightforward process, not governed by complicated court rules and legal procedure. Most people can successfully navigate the process on their own.  Further, people who are mediating are less likely to need an advocate since they are trying to find common ground and compromise. They are not trying to convince a judge or jury of their position. The participants decide the outcome, not the mediator or the court. Of course, if you are in the midst of a legal action, you likely have an attorney already. Your decision concerns their role in the mediation process.

There are situations where an attorney can be very helpful. There are different roles an attorney can play. In some situations, especially where property rights are being affected, it is a good idea to consult a lawyer. This would be especially true in divorce mediation where the disposition of a house, pension, or retirement plan can be complex.  A lawyer can help sort through the consequences of certain financial decisions and settlement terms, allowing you to make the best decision. 

If you choose to use a lawyer in the mediation, be sure they understand your expectations concerning their role.  You can ask them to provide legal advice prior to the mediation, join you in the mediation room, and review the settlement agreement with you prior to signing. In all cases the lawyers’ job is to act as your legal coach and advisor. In mediation, you are the one making the final decision. 

One useful technique mediators often use, and you can request during mediation, is to caucus with your lawyer. In that case, you take time to meet privately with your lawyer and the mediator to have frank discussions concerning legal advice and the risk of potential solutions. 

In selecting an attorney to advise you in mediation there are a few things to consider. Naturally you want an attorney that has experience in the matter under mediation, for example, property rights or divorce. Many lawyers also offer mediation services. When they are in the mediator role, they cannot provide legal advice. However, a lawyer representing you that understands mediation can be very helpful in coaching you through the process.  Make it clear to your lawyer that you want them to understand and support mediation.  You want them be open to negotiation and compromise, not focus on how a judge or jury may rule. Last, be sure to understand how an attorney will charge and their hourly fee. You should also understand this for the mediator, too. Ask for an estimate of the charges. 

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can get free advice from the Maryland Court Self-Help Centers. You can speak to or chat live with lawyers at the Self-Help Center on most weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. These lawyers cannot represent you in court, but they can give you brief advice. Call 410-260-139, or chat live at mdcourts.gov/selfhelp.

Lawyers are not required for mediation, but in certain circumstances can be very helpful in working through the legalities of complex settlements. 

Steve Forrer lives in Easton. He is former Dean and Vice chancellor of University of Maryland Global Campus. He is currently a mediator for the Maryland District and Circuit Courts. Questions can be submitted at www.doncastermediation.com/contact for Steve to answer in this column. He also accepts private mediations.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Commerce Homepage

Mediation Corner: On Reaching Agreement

July 23, 2022 by Steve Forrer Leave a Comment

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Think about the Talbot Boys controversy. Two sides with very different points of view. Does the statue stay or get moved? I am sure that, like me, every mediator asked themselves, “Could I successfully guide the two parties to an acceptable settlement.”  For sure, it would not have been easy. Luckily, most other disputes we face, whether community- based or private issues, are not so complex and politically charged. 

After all, mediation is about reaching agreement. The process is guided by a trained mediator whose job is to guide disputing parties to a common understanding and agreement.  In mediation, the parties decide the outcome together, not the mediator, judge, jury or in the case of the Talbot Boys, the County Council.  This gives the parties great flexibility in creating a settlement. Naturally, the last step in successful mediation is to create and sign a settlement document. In a court-referred mediation, that will become the basis for a court order and case dismissal. What makes a good settlement document?

The document is created by the parties under the guidance of the mediator. It should reflect accurately the “meeting of the minds” and, to the extent possible, reflect their language.  Generally, the document will be very specific, and the more specific the better, as it avoids later confusion. 

The parties will be named. Given names may be used, or in court-referred mediations, Plaintiff or Defendant might be used. Why the parties are agreeing on terms will also be described. For example, “The Parties have voluntarily agreed to the following in an effort to resolve case D-21-12345.”

Details of the settlement are important to include.  For example, when each party will perform on what they agreed. This would include dates, amounts of payments, form and schedule of payments, or types and quality of repairs. Place of performance also should be described in detail. This would include addresses where payments should be sent and by what method. In parenting agreements, the terms will be very specific, including definitions like when does the weekend start, what does “after school” mean.   Last, there should be a procedure to follow if the agreement needs to be changed. That often includes returning to mediation. 

The goal of the settlement document is to memorialized the hard work of the mediation and to provide very specific actions for both parties to follow. You will be asked to voluntarily sign the settlement agreement. Once you do, it generally becomes binding. Never sign an agreement if there is something you don’t understand. In that case, have a lawyer review it before you sign. You can get free advice from the Maryland Court Self-Help Centers. You can speak to or chat live with lawyers at the Self-Help Center on most weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. These lawyers cannot represent you in court, but they can give you brief advice. Call 410-260-1392. Or chat live at mdcourts.gov/selfhelp.

There is one more thing to consider. Mediation will help you reach a better understanding of the situation between you and the other party. However, it does not always result in an agreement. If you don’t reach an agreement on some or all of the issues, you don’t lose any rights. You can still have your conflict resolved through the court. Because mediation is confidential, what is said in mediation can not be used in court.

Steve Forrer lives in Easton and is former Dean and Vice Chancellor of University of Maryland Global Campus. He is currently a mediator for the Maryland District and Circuit Courts. Questions can be submitted at www.doncastermediation.com/contact for Steve to answer in this column. He also accepts private mediations.

 

 

Filed Under: Commerce Homepage

Venture Capital on the Mid-Shore: A Chat with Qlarant Capital’s Ron Forsythe

July 21, 2022 by Dave Wheelan Leave a Comment

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The Eastern Shore has many things going for it in the world of commerce, but the signs of any venture capital activity are few and far between on the peninsula. There are some good reasons why most of this kind of entrepreneurial enterprise is mostly around New York and Silicon Valley, including access to some of the most innovative people in the world.

Nonetheless there are growing signs that a certain number of those whiz kids, a bit freaked out by the pandemic, are reconsidering where they work and play.

One of those noticing this trend has been Qlarant, the Easton-based solutions organization and one of the Mid-Shore’s largest employers. Eager to build on the foundation of its long history with healthcare and risk management, Qlarant has now taken a major step in adding a venture capital component with the creation of Qlarant Capital this summer.

The Spy drove over the Qlarant’s headquarters the other day to find out more.

This video is approximately four minutes in length. For more information about Qlarant please go here

 

 

Filed Under: Commerce, Commerce Homepage, Spy Chats

Easton Economic Development Corporation Appoints Holly DeKarske as Director

July 12, 2022 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

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Holly DeKarske, Executive Director of EEDC

The Easton Economic Development Corporation’s (EEDC) Board of Directors has officially appointed Holly DeKarske as the Executive Director of EEDC, ushering in a new chapter in the nonprofit’s leadership. She will also continue her previous duties as Director of Downtown Development for EEDC.

DeKarske has an extensive understanding in implementing and managing Main Street programs, tourism strategies, local events, and festivals. She has dedicated her work to fostering productive relationships between local businesses and town officials and ensuring communities can reach their full potential.

“The Town of Easton is very fortunate, and our board is pleased to appoint Holly as the Executive Director of EEDC,” says EEDC Board Member Anthony Kern. “Holly is highly experienced and very talented in matters of town economic development. She brings an engaging combination of academic, business, and life experiences to every interaction she has with everyone, and we are thrilled to see what she does next for the town.”

Before joining EEDC in June of 2021, DeKarske was Executive Director of Venture Lititz, PA, downtown Lititz’s nationally accredited Main Street Program. Working closely with business owners and community leaders, she fortified retention and recruitment and coordinated local events, festivals, and tourism marketing.

DeKarske served on the Lititz Regional Community Development Corp board and as co-chair of the Lancaster Economic Development Corp’s Borough Collaborative. She was an Economic and Community Development Specialist with the City of York, PA. Prior to that, she was Development and Operations Manager for a real estate company specializing in the use of New Market Tax Credits, Historic Tax Credits, and other capital sources for the redevelopment of real estate in and around York, PA. 

DeKarske has been honored with numerous awards for her work in both Lititz and Lancaster County, PA.

Filed Under: Commerce Homepage

The Mediation Room: Preparing for Mediation Means Focusing on Positive Outcomes

July 9, 2022 by Steve Forrer Leave a Comment

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Steve Forrer, Ph.D. Final         5/7/22   548 words

If you select mediation either privately, or through the Talbot County District or Circuit Courts, you will need to do some homework. Mediation is not magic. It’s hard work.  Benjamin Franklin said it best, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Once you have committed to mediation the best way to insure an efficient and positive outcome is to spend time preparing.  There are lots of things to think about.  Here are a few.

Think about the issues.  Enter the mediation with an understanding of the situation. Gather your facts and documents. Objectively consider the events that led up to the conflict, and the facts as you recall them. This will help sharpen your point of view.  It also offers insight into the other participant’s thinking. Consider how they might see the facts. It will be helpful in reaching an agreement.

Prioritize potential outcomes.  Those highest on the list are likely your “needs.” Needs are conditions that would be hard for you to give up.  Lower on the list are your “wants.” These are the “nice to have” conditions, but not critical.   Since compromise is part of the mediation, do not expect to get all your wants. Remember, needs can become wants based on the discussion. Avoid coming to mediation with pre-determined bottom lines… “They are not getting one penny.” Absolute boundaries will only limit resolution and mediation is likely to fail. When you agree to mediate you are looking for a result that is acceptable. It will not be perfect. 

Consider your emotions. By its very nature, conflict or disagreement is emotional.  The challenge is to keep your emotions from hijacking your ability to make good decisions. Thinking about what triggers your emotions ahead of time, and anticipating them can help you avoid getting caught in the emotion trap.

Consider others attending. If you have one, you many want your attorney to attend with you. In complicated mediations they can advise on legal matters. The mediator cannot provide legal advice. It is also important that all the parties that have the authority to settle the dispute are present. This not only communicates the willingness to seriously mediate, but avoids confusion and delay. 

Consider what happens if there is no settlement. Consider the cost and time required to go to litigation. In the Maryland Courts COVID has backed up court dates by months.  Further, there is the real possibility you may not win. It is hard to predict a judge or jury determined outcome. Going to court will provide resolution, but it will be very narrow.  Mediation will provide much more flexibly. For example, one party may want an apology or a confidentiality clause. The court is not likely to offer either condition in its narrow decision. Successful mediation allows both parties to move on with their lives and leave the stress and ambiguity of the disagreement behind.

Although it sounds obvious, get a good night’s sleep the day before. Mediation can be long, emotional, and exhausting.  The process is hard work and requires all parties to concentrate and focus on a positive outcome.

Steve Forrer lives in Easton and is former Dean and Vice Chancellor of University of Maryland Global Campus. He is  currently a mediator for the Maryland District and Circuit Courts. Questions can be submitted at www.doncastermediation.com/contact for Steve to answer in this column. He also accepts private mediations.

 

Filed Under: Commerce Homepage

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